Revealed: criminals and unlicensed agents operating across Australia’s real estate sector

Revelations come amid federal government push for additional scrutiny of sector through counter-terror financing and money-laundering laws

• Read more in the Hot property series
• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

Convicted criminals and unlicensed agents are operating in the real estate sector across multiple states, a Guardian Australia investigation has found.

In New South Wales, the Guardian has established that two individuals convicted of dishonesty offences have been allowed back into the industry well within the usual 10-year prohibition, and that gaps in the law mean convicted money launderers are able to find their way back into the industry.